Panasonic SDR-SW20S Waterproof Flash Memory Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom - Silver

Panasonic SDR-SW20 is pretty specific camcorder designed 4 pretty specific individual. Having wrote that, allowed me 2 explained some of the good points about this camcorder. First thing you notice is that its a pretty small camcorder & very light. In fact, this camcorder is smaller then some of the point & shoot cameras out there & I brought a p/s camera case 2 stored this camcorder in. Second thing is that its super easy 2 use. Its very minimal in design & dial switch with simple on & off button 2 record. And yes, this camcorder is waterproof & you can dunk it up 2 five feet as noted. If it waterproof, then it got 2 be dustproof as well. I haven't tried bouncing this camcorder off the floor but I'll take the manufacturer's word on the shock-proof. It has a 10x optical zoom that worked just fine while recording & an electronic stabilizer that works pretty well. The camcorder do come with several scene modes, manual focus as well as aperture & shutter speed control although its at a pretty basic level. The 2.7 inch LCD worked just fine & its in widescreen mode. The still photo are shot in 4:3 mode. All videos & photos are save on the SD card. I recommended that you get at least 2 gig 2 get started. It does accept SDHC cards although the manual states that you are better off using a Panasonic brand or else it might not work properly. I'll just buy more 2 gig cards instead.

For the negative side of this camcorder, the video image isn't very good. I would regard the video image 2 be just average, nothing 2 blow your mind on but its better then you hope for. The video image really get "noisy" when shooting in dark locations or night times. Its still acceptable but barely at times. Its far superior then the Flip video device but far less then some of the more expensive ones. Let me put it this way, bigger the screen, worst it will look. Smaller the screen, better it will look. This applied even at the XP mode, their highest rating. This camcorder does take still photos but only at .3 mpx, no better then a phone camera. The audio is bit on the weak side & you will get a lot of debris noises no matter what you do.

Reason 4 my four stars is this, despite of the video image shortcomings, this camcorder fitted my need. I wanted something small, light & bombproof from the elements in a camcorder. I can live with the average video in such a trade off. Due 2 the size & weight, I can take this camcorder anywhere & used it almost anytime. I like 2 hike, bike & backpack so this camcorder is perfect. (Of course, bring extra batteries since battery life is pretty short due 2 the small li-on battery they use 4 this camcorder.) I supposed it even possible 2 attached this camcorder 2 dashboard or on a bike handle & used it that way. The LCD cover does not have 2 be open 4 this thing 2 record. My camcorder fit my needs perfectly but unless your needs are like mine's, you may not be happy with this camcorder since the video image is not as good as bigger ones out there. Just be aware of that.

INDICATIONS: Capture video 2 flash memory. Waterproof 2 5 feet; Shockproof 2 4 feet. 10x optical zoom. Compatible with SD/SDHC memory cards.